By Leigh-Ann Winborn
Geographic Range
Northern Fence Lizards can be found in in the southeastern part of the United States. Specifically, their southern boundary is represented by a line running from the middle of Texas to the northern half of South Carolina. They extend northward to Pennsylvania and the very southern tip of New York. To the west, they can be found in the eastern 1/4 of Texas and they extend all the way east to the Atlantic Coast. Other subspecies of Sceloporus undulatus can be found further west and south. (Conant and Collins 1998, Bartlett and Bartlett 1999, Bockstanz 1999)
Habitat
Northern fence lizards do not like being on the ground. They prefer trees, rock walls, or wooden fences. They live in sandy pinewood or mixed woodland areas. This specis is arboreal compared to other members of this family who are terrestrial.
(Bartlett and Bartlett 1999, Bockstanz 1999)
Terrestrial Biomes:
forest 
.
Physical Description
Northern fence lizards are approximately 5-6.5 inches long. This species is sexually dimorphic, however the background color of both sexes is grey to light brown. Males have large ventrolateral patches and one or two throat spots that are bright blue to a bluish-green. Males also have a light colored ventral side with dark splotches. Males are smaller in size than females. Females have a dark flecked white venter that may have a bluish tint. Females also have eight prominant v-shaped bars along their back and an orangish area at the back of their thighs near the tail. When young are born they are approximately 1.75 inches long and resemble the female. (Bartlett and Bartlett 1999, Bockstanz 1999, Klukowski, et al, 1998)
Some key physical features:
ectothermic ; bilateral symmetry .
Reproduction
Northern fence lizards breed after hibernating over the winter. The females lay eggs during the summer. A healthy female will lay several clutches each containing 5-12 eggs. The incubation period ranges from 6-8 weeks. The male is non-parental.
(Bartlett and Bartlett 1999, Bockstanz 1999)
Key reproductive features:
gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate).
Behavior
Northern fence lizards are diurnal, although they may seek shade during the hottest hours of the day. This species hibernates during the winter. The male Northern fence lizard is highly territorial. It has been found that their testosterone level is directly proportionate to their territorial behaviors. Male lizards display by doing pushups and flashing their blue throats. Both sexes sun themselves near trees, but remain highly alert. They will run up the tree at the slightest noise or movement. While grasping onto a tree they orient themselves in a "head up" position so they are able to ascend the tree if frightened.
(Bartlett and Bartlett 1999, Bockstanz 1999, Klukowski, et al 1998)
Key behaviors:
motile .
Food Habits
Northern fence lizards are insectivores. They may leave the protection of a tree to run into an open area to catch an insect.
(Bartlett and Bartlett 1999)
Economic Importance for Humans: Positive
This lizard contributes to controling the insect population by consuming a variety of insect species.
(Bartlett and Bartlett 1999)
For More Information
Find Sceloporus undulatus hyacinthinus information at
Contributors
Leigh-Ann Winborn (author), Southwestern University.
Stephanie Fabritius (editor), Southwestern University.
